| Sumario: | The Bethesda System 2001 terminology has been widely adapted and should improve communication between pathologists and clinicians. Despite definitions for cytologic abnormalities, there will remain limitations in the ability of cytopathologists to uniformly classify Papanicolaou test abnormalities--particularly with ASC and AGC. Evidenced-based management guidelines from the ASCCP-sponsored consensus conference should provide more uniform, cost-effective strategies to evaluate women with abnormal Pap smears. Additionally, clinicians will need to examine and modify their traditional practice patterns to incorporate new knowledge regarding the natural history of cervical cancer precursors, including the association with high-risk HPV types. Adherence to the new evidence-based guidelines may optimize the triage and management of women with abnormal cervical cytology and lead to a future decline in the incidence of cervical cancer.
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